BYU running back Harvey Unga announced his decision to withdraw from school Friday as a result of an honor code violation.
Unga is the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,455 yards gained over his first three seasons. He led the Mountain West Conference in rushing last year with 1,087 yards and collected first-team All-MWC honors after a third consecutive 1,000-yard season.
"I fully support Harvey and his decision regarding his personal situation," BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The possibility of not having Harvey on the field in the fall would certainly have an impact on our team, but my main concern right now is in supporting Harvey."
Share Unga has not commented publicly on the situation. If Unga does seek readmission at BYU, his case will be reviewed by dean of students Vern Heperi, rather than the honor code office, because he chose to voluntarily withdraw.
Women's basketball player Keilani Moeaki, who has been dating Unga, also withdrew from BYU due to an honor code violation. The senior-to-be started all 33 games this past season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
Among other things, the strict honor code forbids BYU students from using alcohol and tobacco and from having premarital sex.
"I'm not sure what he is going to do," said Unga's cousin, former BYU and Philadelphia Eagles player Reno Mahe. "My advice to him would probably be to turn pro, maybe look at the supplemental [draft]. He might have to be a free agent. I think he has what it takes to make it there."
Other options available to Unga include transferring to an NCAA Division II school or even a D-III school. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Unga cannot transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision program due to an NCAA rule implemented in 2006 that prohibits seniors-to-be in Football Bowl Subdivision programs from transferring to an FCS program and playing right away.
According to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, Unga will likely attempt to enter the NFL supplemental draft held in July.
Unga is the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,455 yards gained over his first three seasons. He led the Mountain West Conference in rushing last year with 1,087 yards and collected first-team All-MWC honors after a third consecutive 1,000-yard season.
"I fully support Harvey and his decision regarding his personal situation," BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "The possibility of not having Harvey on the field in the fall would certainly have an impact on our team, but my main concern right now is in supporting Harvey."
Share Unga has not commented publicly on the situation. If Unga does seek readmission at BYU, his case will be reviewed by dean of students Vern Heperi, rather than the honor code office, because he chose to voluntarily withdraw.
Women's basketball player Keilani Moeaki, who has been dating Unga, also withdrew from BYU due to an honor code violation. The senior-to-be started all 33 games this past season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
Among other things, the strict honor code forbids BYU students from using alcohol and tobacco and from having premarital sex.
"I'm not sure what he is going to do," said Unga's cousin, former BYU and Philadelphia Eagles player Reno Mahe. "My advice to him would probably be to turn pro, maybe look at the supplemental [draft]. He might have to be a free agent. I think he has what it takes to make it there."
Other options available to Unga include transferring to an NCAA Division II school or even a D-III school. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, Unga cannot transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision program due to an NCAA rule implemented in 2006 that prohibits seniors-to-be in Football Bowl Subdivision programs from transferring to an FCS program and playing right away.
According to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, Unga will likely attempt to enter the NFL supplemental draft held in July.
